Detroit Mayor Dave Bing on Wednesday night called on union workers to sacrifice, the region to rally and the state to return promised revenue sharing funds in order to help the city avoid an emergency manager.

Already saddled with an accumulated deficit believed to be approaching $200 million, Bing told residents during a rare televised speech that the city may run out of cash by April and could see a $45 million shortfall by the end of the fiscal year.

"Tonight, I am asking every Detroiter and all who care about this city to stand with us and work with us to help keep Detroit our city," he said. "The apathy that paralyzed Detroit for decades ends tonight."

The mayor outlined a short-term plan to reduce expenditures through a 10 percent wage reduction for all city workers, increased health care contributions, pensions reforms and "strategic layoffs" that will not impact public safety.

"I know that government has gone to the unions time and time again asking for concessions," Bing acknowledged, "but at no time have city services deteriorated so much as they have today. Residents deserve more than poor services and high taxes."

He also proposed a tax rate increase of less than one percent on corporations operating in the city, noting that it is "basic common sense" to ask the business community to sacrifice along with union workers.

Long-term, Bing proposed privatizing Detroit's public bus system and public lighting department, both of which are failing services to residents while costing taxpayers $100 million a year in subsidies. He said he has begun talks with private utilities and management firms that have the resources and expertise to improve service.

Finally, Bing urged Michigan Gov. Rick Sndyer to "right a historic wrong" and return $220 million in revenue sharing funds he said the state promised when Detroit agreed to lower its income tax rate in 1998.

"While the city followed through on its commitment, saving Detroiters millions in taxes, the state did not keep its promise," he said. "I am requesting the return of those funds to the City of Detroit."